When the new owner of Savoy Sorbet, Angela, came to us in need of photographs of their delicious sorbets, Hoyoung and I were very excited. Doing a styled food shoot in the studio was exactly the type of opportunity we were looking for in food photography. This project made use of both our talents in the photography studio: Hoyoung’s knowledge of studio lighting and my simple design aesthetic.

Chamomile Orange

This past year, Hoyoung and I have intentionally sought out projects that would allow us to collaborate. We work together on projects all of the time, but usually that means Hoyoung is responsible for the photography and I am responsible for the design. Photography-wise, I never felt like Hoyoung and I stood on equal ground because he is an experienced photographer and I am usually the photographer’s assistant, responsible for small details like making sure hair isn’t out of place and that ties are on straight.

Our first photography job that allowed us to truly collaborate was the food shoot at SPORK. I styled each shot while Hoyoung photographed. After that shoot, we knew we both really enjoyed food photography because it would allow us to work together collaboratively. But also, to be real, we both love food!

The concept for this photoshoot was all about showcasing the organic and all-natural ingredients that go into making the sorbets. Each shot had to be simple and clean but also fun and interesting. I used a flat bristled brush to play around with cane sugar, himalayan sea salt, cinnamon, lavender and chamomile tea leaves, chocolate shavings, and more. It was so much fun.

Cinnamon Apple Brandy

One of the biggest hurdles we ran into was how quickly the sorbets melted. Even though sorbets do not melt as quickly as ice cream under the studio lights, we still had limited time. With the first sorbet we shot, I made the mistake of dishing out the sorbet first and then setting up the shot with the ingredients. You can see the sorbet melting little by little as set up progress.

Chocolate Fix

We had to make sure everything was set in place before we scooped out the sorbets into our crystal dishes. Shooting with tight time restrictions, we learned that there is no such thing as being over-prepared.

Ginger Lemongrass

We used two different backdrops, a white and a teal blue seamless paper, to create multiple shots with the same flavors. I love the contrast between the two: the white backdrop is light and airy and the teal blue is bold and fresh.

Triple Lemon

It was a delight to work with Angela and her team. My favorite flavor was the Chocolate Fix, which has coconut, cacao and himalayan sea salt. Hoyoung’s favorite was the Triple Lemon, which has lemon, lemongrass, and lemon thyme.

Visit their landing page, which we designed, to see more of our shots from that day, and look for their sorbets at your local Central Market. Also, look for their new website in mid-December that we are designing and have photographed!

Here at SOHOSTORY, we love supporting other small businesses here in Dallas and all over! We will be featuring some of our favorite small businesses, beginning with Local Press + Brew.

Local Press + Brew basking in the beautiful 7am sun as it slowly rises up over the treetops.

Located at 1605 N Beckley Ave, this charming cafe is a welcome addition to the Bishop Arts area. The staff are warm, friendly, and experts on the neighborhood as they all live nearby. Their knowledge and love of the craft and technique of both coffee and juice is inspiring.

Owners Tiffany Vance and Ben Johnson started Local Press + Brew because they are passionate about providing fine coffee, fresh juice, and an intimate community space featuring arts and crafts from local artists.

Tiffany Vance, owner of Local Press + Brew.

The bright clean airy space is warm and inviting, perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee at any time during the day!

A little nook to enjoy a coffee or juice with friends...

Or a pretty setting to spread out and work.

Every cup of coffee is made to order so it’s guaranteed to be both fresh and exactly what you want. Their beans are from local fair trade small-batch roaster Noble Coyote.

Hoyoung's favorite was the “Nut-Shaken Latte,” made with fresh homemade almond milk.